Mercado de Artesanías

Type of shop

Women's clothing and accessories, Men's clothing and accessories, Jewelry or watches, Home and design, Gifts or curiosities

Features

Eclectic, Artisanal/handicrafts, Local designers and products

Behind the Mercado Ignacio Ramírez (the covered market), a descending pedestrian walkway that covers several blocks is lined with stalls selling all manner of handicrafts. There's silver jewelry from Taxco, rugs from Oaxaca, talavera pottery from Dolores Hidalgo, glass and tin lamps, all at economical prices. There's even a stand where you can find Coca-Cola bottles covered in Huichol beadwork. There are other artisan markets in town, but this is the best. Walk all the way down the four flights covering as many street blocks to the end where there's a shop that makes handbags out of discarded pull-tabs from soda cans. Stop to chat in English with the knowledgable owner of Arte Huichol (Andador Local 22) about the design and origin of that craft.